New Alternatives for Biochemical Monitoring of Bone Healing and Fracture Management.

This study aims to assess the applicability of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) as early markers for characterising of bone healing and adequate fracture management. 30 elderly patients admitted to the ward with acute trochanteric fracture. All patients underwent reamed and unreamed intra-medullar osteosynthesis within 24 h using Howmedica Trochanteric Gamma Nail. OPG and RANKL levels were determined in the patients' sera at certain time periods. The most dramatic changes of OPG and RANKL levels were displayed during the first week in both groups. Moreover the different operative techniques could be clearly separated on the basis of biochemical results.